Spine Safety Alerts



Spine Safety Alerts

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The North American Spine Society is committed to quality patient care through promotion of patient safety and prevention of medical errors. NASS monitors a variety of government resources for patient safety related notices that may be useful to our members. Information from these notices and other pertinent resources is available using the following links:

 

 Date Drug/Device Alert
5.22.13 All Sterile Drug Products Made and Distributed By NuVision Pharmacy Dallas Facility: Recall - Lack of Sterility Assurance DRUG ALERT
5.22.13 Drug Product Labeling Changes:  Amrix (Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride), Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride), Qualaquin (Quinine Sulfate), and Pradaxa (Dabigatran Etexilate Mesylate) DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
5.22.13 Bisphosphonate Drug Product Labeling Changes DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
5.22.13 Symbios Medical Products Issues Nationwide Recall of GOPump and GOBlock Kits DEVICE WARNING
5.15.13 In Cooperation with FDA, The Compounding Shop, LLC Declares a Voluntary Recall of All Lots of Sterile Compounded Products Due to a Lack of Sterility Assurance Distributed Within its Local Market Area DRUG ALERT
5.1.13 Hospira Inc., GemStar Infusion System: Recall - Lithium Battery Low Voltage DEVICE WARNING
5.1.13 Sodium Chloride Injection 0.9 percent USP, 100 mL Flexible Containers by Hospira: Recall - Particulate Matter DRUG WARNING
4.24.13 CareFusion Alaris PC Unit with Software V9.12: Class 1 Recall – Communication Error When Attached to EtCO2 or SpO2 Modules DEVICE WARNING
4.24.13 All Sterile Compounded Products by Nora Apothecary and Alternative Therapies: Recall - Lack of Sterility Assurance DRUG ALERT
4.24.13 Balanced Solutions All Sterile Compounded Products: Recall - Lack of Sterility Assurance DRUG ALERT
4.22.13 Sterile Products Compounded, Repackaged, and Distributed by ApothéCure: Recall - Sterility Assurance Concerns DRUG ALERT
4.19.13 Green Valley Drugs: Recall of All Lots of All Sterile Products - Quality Control Concerns DRUG ALERT
4.3.13 Sodium Chloride Injection, 0.9 percent, 1000 mL, Flexible Container: Recall - Brass Particulates DRUG WARNING
4.1.13 Palimed Solutions, Inc. Sterile Compound Products: Recall - Visible Particulates Observed DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
3.20.13 Lidocaine Hydrochloride and 5% Dextrose Injection: Labeling Changes DRUG ALERT
3.20.13 Medprep Consulting Inc. Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall Of All Lots Of Magnesium Sulfate 2gm In Dextrose 5 percent In Water, 50ml For Injection Due To Mold Contamination DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
3.20.13 Qualaquin (quinine sulfate) capsules: Labeling Changes DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
2.28.13 Lumenis VersaCut Tissue Morcellator: Class 1 Recall -Labeling Correction - Potential for Air Embolisms to Occur If Tubing Is Hooked Up Backwards DEVICE CAUTIONARY NOTICE
2.19.13 Reumofan Plus: Recall - Undeclared Drug Ingredient DRUG WARNING
1.02.13 Zimmer Spine - PEEK Ardis Inserter: Class I Recall – Risk of Implant Breakage DEVICE ALERT
12.27.12 Medtronic Drug Infusion Pumps: Recall - Intermittent or Permanent Pump Motor Stall DEVICE WARNING
12.18.12 Title: Ethicon, Inc., SURGIFLO Hemostatic Matrix and SURGIFLO Hemostatic Matrix Kit Plus FlexTip with Thrombin: Class I Recall - Potential for Packaging Breach
ALERT
DRUG ALERT
12.17.12 Drug Safety Communication - Important change to heparin container labels to clearly state the total drug strength DRUG WARNING
12.12.12 Qualitest Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets 10 mg/500 mg: Recall - Potential for Oversized Tablets   updated 12/27/12 DRUG WARNING
11.7.12 Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate mesylate): Drug Safety Communication Update - Safety Review of Post-Market Reports of Serious Bleeding Events DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
10.5.12

Multi‐State Investigation of Meningitis Among Patients Who Received Epidural Steroid Injections  updated 11/20/12

DRUG ALERT
9.25.12 Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets, USP 10 mg/500 mg (Watson Laboratories): Recall - Potential for Oversized and Superpotent Tablets DRUG WARNING
9.18.12 Over-The-Counter Topical Muscle and Joint Pain Relievers: Drug Safety Communication - Rare Cases of Serious Burns DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
9.12.12 Qualitest Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets 10 mg/500 mg: Recall - Potential for Oversized Tablets DRUG WARNING
9.11.12 I-Flow ON-Q Pump with ONDEMAND Bolus Button: Class I Recall - Risk of Continuous Infusion at a Rate Greater Than Expected DEVICE WARNING
8.29.12 Covidien Initiates a Voluntary Recall of DGPHP RFA High-Power Single Use Grounding Pads and Cool-tip™ RFA Electrode Kits that Contain DGPHP RFA High-Power Single Use Grounding Pads DEVICE WARNING
8.28.12 CareFusion Alaris Pump Module Model 8100: Class I Recall - Motor Stalls During Infusion DEVICE WARNING
8.23.12 303, Alaris Pump Module, Model 8100: Class I Recall - Potential for Pump Malfunction To Stop Infusion DEVICE WARNING
8.21.12 Synthes Hemostatic Bone Putty: Class I Recall - Potential for Putty to Ignite DEVICE ALERT
8.21.12 Hospira Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection 2 MG/ML, (C-II) 1 ML Fill in 2.5 ML Carpuject: Recall- May Contain More Than the Intended Fill Volume DRUG WARNING
8.16.12 FDA Approves Extended-Release and Long-Acting Opioids Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS): Labeling Changes DRUG WARNING
8.9.12 CareFusion Alaris PC Unit, Model 8015: Class I Recall - Error Code DEVICE WARNING
8.7.12 B. Braun Infusomat Space Infusion System: Class I Recall - Potential for Breakage of Anti Free Flow Clip Catch DEVICE WARNING
8.1.12 FDA Safety Communication: Tubing and Luer Misconnections- Preventing Dangerous Medical Errors CAUTIONARY NOTICE
7.24.12 CDC Issues MMWR on Invasive Staphylococcus aureus Infections Associated with Pain Injections and Reuse of Single-Dose Vials— Arizona and Delaware, 2012 WARNING
7.18.12 Maquet Medical Systems USA FLOW-i Anesthesia System- Class 1 Recall DEVICE WARNING
6.06.12 Reumofan Plus: Recall - Undeclared Drug Ingredient DRUG WARNING
5.25.12 Hospira Carpuject Pre-filled Cartridges: Drug Alert- Products May Contain More Than the Intended Fill Volume ALERT
5.18.12 Levaquin (Levofloxacin) Tablets, Oral Solution and Injection: Labeling Changes DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
5.18.12 Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection 1 MG/ML, (C-II) 1 ML Fill in 2.5 ML Carpuject: Recall- May Contain More Than the Intended Fill Volume DRUG WARNING
2.6.12 Covidien Contraindicates the Use of Duet TRS for Thoracic Surgery, Implements a Voluntary Recall DEVICE CAUTIONARY NOTICE
1.11.12 Endo Pharmaceuticals Opiate Products by Novartis Consumer Health: Public Health Advisory—Potential Safety Risk ALERT
1.5.12 ShoulderFlex Massager: Warning-Risk of Strangulation DEVICE CAUTIONARY NOTICE
12.21.11 Lioresal (baclofen) intrathecal: Labeling Changes DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
12.21.11 Dilantin (phenytoin): Labeling Changes DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
12.14.11 Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate mesylate): Drug Safety Communication - Safety Review of Post-Market Reports of Serious Bleeding Events DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
11.10.11 Mizuho OSI Modular Table Systems: Class I Recall - Reports of Patient Injury ALERT
10.17.11 Cymbalta (duloxetine hydrochloride): Labeling Changes DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
10.17.11 FDA Safety Communication: Preventing Surgical Fires WARNING
9.20.11 Zofran (ondansetron): Drug Safety Communication ‐ Risk of Abnormal Heart Rhythms DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
9.14.11 Mobic (meloxicam) Tablets and Oral Suspension:
Labeling Changes
DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
9.14.11 Neurontin (gabapentin) Capsules, Tablets and Oral Solution: Labeling Changes DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
9.14.11 Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) Tablets and Oral Concentrate: Labeling Changes DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
9.14.11 Celexa (citalopram hydrobromide) Tablets and Oral Solution: Labeling Changes DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
9.12.11 Medtronic Model 8637 SynchroMed II Implantable Infusion Pump: Class 1 Recall DEVICE CAUTIONARY NOTICE
9.12.11 Tumor Necrosis Factor‐alpha (TNFα) Blockers: Label Change ‐ Boxed Warning Updated for Risk of Infection from Legionella and Listeria DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
9.7.11 Reclast (zoledronic acid): Drug Safety Communication - New Contraindication and Updated Warning on Kidney Impairment DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
8.31.11 H & P Industries Povidone Iodine Swabsticks, Prep Solutions, Scrub Solutions, and Prep Gel:   Recall - Inadequate Microbial Testing DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
8.30.11 Celexa (citalopram hydrobromide):  Drug Safety Communication - Abnormal Heart Rhythms Associated With High Doses DRUG WARNING
8.9.11 Methylene Blue
Drug Safety Communication ‐ Serious CNS Reactions Possible When Given to Patients Taking Certain Psychiatric Medications
DRUG WARNING
8.9.11 Zyvox (linezolid)
Drug Safety Communication ‐ Serious CNS Reactions Possible When Given to Patients Taking Certain Psychiatric Medications
DRUG WARNING
7.29.11 Tribenzor (olmesartan medoxomil / amlodipine / hydrochlorothiazide) tablets: Labeling Changes DRUG WARNING
7.29.11 Tekturna (aliskiren) and Tekturna HCT (aliskiren/hydrochlorothiazide) Tablets: Labeling Changes DRUG WARNING
7.29.11 Feraheme (ferumoxytol) Injection: Labeling Changes DRUG WARNING
7.29.11 Ditropan XL (oxybutynin chloride) tablets: Labeling Changes DRUG WARNING
7.29.11 Benicar (olmesartan medoxomil) Tablets: Labeling Changes DRUG WARNING
7.29.11 Zocor (simvastatin) tablets: Labeling Changes DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
7.29.11 Zmax (azithromycin extended release) for oral suspension: Labeling Changes DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
7.29.11 Vytorin (ezetimibe/simvastatin) tablets: Labeling Changes DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
7.29.11 Simcor (niacin extended‐release/simvastatin) tablets:
Labeling Changes
DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
7.29.11 Prilosec (omeprazole) Delayed‐Release Capsules, Prilosec (omeprazole magnesium) For Delayed Release Oral Suspension: Labeling Changes DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
7.29.11 Pepcid (famotidine) tablets: Labeling Changes DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
7.29.11 Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium) for delayed‐release oral suspension, delayedrelease capsules and (esomeprazole sodium) for injection: Labeling Changes DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
7.29.11 Multaq (dronedarone hydrochloride) tablets: Labeling Changes DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
7.29.11 Diovan HCT (valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide) and
Exforge HCT (amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide) tablets: Labeling Changes
DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
7.29.11 Diovan (valsartan) tablets: Labeling Changes DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
7.29.11 Corgard (nadolol) tablets and Corzide (nadolol and bendroflumethiazide) tablets: Labeling Changes DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
7.29.11 Avalide (irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide) tablets:
Labeling Changes
DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
7.29.11 Atacand (candesartan cilexetil) tablets and Atacand HCT (candesartan/cilexetil hydrochlorothiazide) tablets: abeling Changes DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
7.26.11 Chantix (varenicline): Label Change ‐ Risk of Certain Cardiovascular Adverse Events DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
7.21.11 Oral Osteoporosis Drugs (bisphosphonates): Drug Communication – Potential Increased Risk of Esophageal Cancer DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
7.20.11 Multaq (dronedarone): Drug Safety Communication ‐
Increased Risk of Death or Serious Cardiovascular Events
DRUG WARNING
6.30.11 Tylenol Extra Strength Caplets, 225 count bottles:
Recall - Uncharacteristic Odor
DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
6.27.11 Endocet (Oxycodone / Acetaminophen) Tablets, ( 10mg, 325mg ): Recall - Some Bottles Contain Different St DRUG WARNING
6.27.11 Butalbital, Acetaminophen, and Caffeine Tablets (USP 50mg, 325mg, 40mg) and Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets (USP 7.5mg, 500mg): Recall ‐ Bottle Mislabeled DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
6.24.11 Erythropoiesis‐Stimulating Agents (ESAs) In Chronic Kidney Disease: Drug Safety Communication ‐ Modified Dosing Recommendations DRUG WARNING
6.21.11 Chantix (varenicline): Label Change – Risk of Certain Cardiovascular Adverse Events DRUG NOTICE
5.3.11 Coumadin (warfarin sodium) Crystalline 5 mg Tablets: Recall - Tablets May Have Higher than Expected Potency DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
4.20.11 Neurontin (gabapentin) Capsules, Tablets and Oral Solution: Adverse Reactions – Labeling Changes DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
4.20.11 Lioresal (baclofen) intrathecal: Warnings and Precautions – Labeling Changes DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
3.22.11 American Regent Initiates Voluntary Nationwide Recall of
Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection, USP, 4 mg/mL, 1 mL Single Dose Vials; 5 mL and 30 mL Multiple Dose Vials
DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
3.22.11 Flector Patch (diclofenac epolamine topical patch):
Contraindications – Labeling Changes
DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
3.22.11 Voltaren (diclofenac sodium enteric-coated) Tablets
Voltaren-XR (diclofenac sodium extended release) Tablets Cataflam (diclofenac potassium immediate-release) Tablets: Precautions – Labeling Changes
DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
3.4.11 FDA Communication: Update on Serious Complications Associated with Negative Wound Pressure Therapy Systems DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
3.4.11 Expansion of Voluntary Nationwide Recall – Affected Products Include Amantadine, Amlodipine, Androxy, Baclofen, Bethanechol, Jantoven® and Oxybutynin DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
2.18.11 Warfarin Sodium Tablets (Jantoven), 3mg Recall - Mislabeled Bottles Containing Higher Dosage DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
2.18.11 Medtronic SynchroMed II and SynchroMed EL Implantable Infusion Pump and Refill Kits: Class 1 Recall DEVICE CAUTIONARY NOTICE
2.7.11 Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets,
Phenobarbital Tablets by Qualitest:  Recall – Incorrect Package Labeling
DRUG NOTICE
1.18.11 Remicade (infliximab) for Intravenous (IV) Injection:
Warnings and Adverse Reactions – Labeling Changes
DRUG WARNING
1.17.11 Acetaminophen Prescription Products Limited to 325 mg Per Dosage Unit: Drug Safety Communication DRUG WARNING
1.11.11 Morphine Sulfate Oral Solution 100 mg per 5 mL (20 mg/mL): Medication Use Error – Reports of Accidental Overdose DRUG WARNING
12.10.10 Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection, 4mg/mL, 30 mL Multiple Dose Vial: Recall Due to Particulates in Product DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
12.10.10 Drug Safety Labeling Changes -
Rozerem (Ramelteon) Tablets
DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
12.10.10 Drug Safety Labeling Changes - OxyContin (Oxycodone Hydrochloride Controlled-Release) Tablets DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
11.19.20 Propoxyphene: Withdrawal - Risk of Cardiac Toxicity
Sold as Darvon, Darvocet, and generics
DRUG WARNING
11.08.10 Heparin Sodium (B. Braun): Recall ‐ Trace Contaminant DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
10.25.10 Fentanyl Transdermal System: Recall - Potential for Active Ingredient to Release Faster Than Specified DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
10.20.10 Excelsior Medical 5 ml Fill in 6 cc Prefilled Saline Flush Syringes: Recall - Potential Loss of Sterility DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
10.19.10 Bisphosphonates (Osteoporosis Drugs): Label Change - Atypical Fractures Update DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
9.30.10 Epogen and Procrit (epoetin alfa): Recall - Particulate Matter in Vials DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
9.22.10 Drug Safety Labeling Changes - Heparin Sodium in Dextrose injection and in Sodium Chloride injection DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
9.13.10 Gadolinium-based Contrast Agents: Class Labeling Change - Risk of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis DRUG WARNING
7.21.10 Coumadin 1 mg Tablet Blister Packs Recall DRUG ALERT
7.21.10 Air- or Gas-Pressurized Spray Devices - Risk of Air or Gas Embolism DEVICE CAUTIONARY NOTICE
7.21.10 Arava (leflunomide): Boxed Warning - Risk of Severe Liver Injury DRUG WARNING
6.07.10 Intravenous Medications Manufactured by Claris:
Recall Due to Contamination of Products
DRUG WARNING
5.26.10 Drug Safety Labeling Changes ‐ Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
5.25.10 Drug Safety Labeling Changes ‐ Ultram (tramadol hydrochloride), Ultracet (tramadol hydrochloride/acetaminophen) DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
5.24.10 Drug Safety Labeling Changes - Zonegran (zonisamide) capsules DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
5.24.10 Drug Safety Labeling Changes - Tisseel (fibrin sealant) DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
5.14.10 Class I Recall: GE Healthcare Aisys and Avance Anesthesia Systems DEVICE WARNING
5.06.10 Baxter Colleague Infusion Pumps: FDA Ordering Recall DEVICE CAUTIONARY NOTICE
5.06.10 Vivitrol (naltrexone for extended-release injectable suspension): Medication Guide Required for Patients DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
3.02.10 Boniva (ibandronate sodium) tablets DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
3.02.10 Coumadin (warfarin sodium) tablets and injection DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
3.02.10 Kenalog (triamcinolone acetonide) injectable suspension DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
2.19.10 Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs): Procrit, Epogen and Aranesp Drug Safety Communication DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
1.21.10 McNeil Consumer Healthcare OTC products:
Recall – 12/09 recall of Tylenol arthritis caplets now expanded to multiple other products
DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE
1.06.10 Thermoflect Blankets and product line –
Recall: Products are not to be used in MR environment
DEVICE CAUTIONARY NOTICE
1.06.10 Tylenol Arthritis Pain Caplet 100 count: Recall of all lots due to reports of odor associated with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea DRUG CAUTIONARY NOTICE